Three trucks were found ablaze in a field in the 4900 block of Hwy. B in Hillsboro early Friday, April 7. No one was injured in the fires, which are considered suspicious, said Chief Brian Gaudet of the Hillsboro Fire Protection District.
“We are working hand-in-hand with the Hillsboro Police Department,” Gaudet said. “Hillsboro Fire Protection District fire investigators and the Hillsboro Police Department jointly investigated the cause of the fire and determined the fire was purposefully and maliciously ignited.”
He said Hillsboro Fire was alerted to the vehicle fires at about 1:30 a.m. after Valle Ambulance personnel noticed the fires while returning from taking a patient to an area hospital.
“Upon arrival, crews found three vehicles on fire, including two tow trucks and a pickup truck in a field,” he said. “Crews quickly extinguished the fire.”
All three vehicles were totaled, Gaudet said.
He said firefighters had to stretch hoses into the field, which made it difficult to fight the fires.
Gaudet said firefighters remained on the scene until about 3 a.m.
He said the investigation is ongoing, and he urges anyone with information about the fires to call Jefferson County 911 Dispatch at 636-797-9999 and ask to speak with an officer or contact the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-392-7766.